Pigeons on the march for finals

Goals: Charley McKenna 5, Bailey Frauenfelder 3, Max Findlay 2.

Pigeons on the march for finals

Yarrawonga's charge towards the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League finals gathered even more momentum on Saturday, with the Pigeons producing a determined 11.5 (71) to 9.12 (66) victory over a spirited Myrtleford at the Grove Oval.

In perfect football conditions and before an enthusiastic crowd, the Pigeons overcame injuries, illness and a determined Saints outfit to record their fourth consecutive victory, leaving them well and truly in the hunt for a coveted top-three finish.

The difference was electric forward Charley McKenna, who produced one of the finest games of his senior career with five goals in a match-winning performance. The speedy forward now has 29 goals for the season, including 16 over the past four matches, and continues to develop into one of the league's most dangerous attacking weapons.

After trailing by 20 points during the second quarter, Yarrawonga responded with trademark resilience.

McKenna, Bailey Frauenfelder and Max Findlay sparked the fightback before a dominant third term saw the Pigeons pile on six goals to take control of the contest.

McKenna's fifth goal midway through the third quarter capped a remarkable burst in which Yarrawonga kicked eight of the previous nine goals to establish what appeared to be a match-winning advantage.

But Myrtleford refused to surrender. Despite losing Lachie Miotto to a yellow card early in the final quarter and being reduced to 17 players, the Saints mounted one final charge.

They booted two late goals and had reigning Morris Medallist Jaxon East flying left foot snap bent a touch more they could have stolen a draw but his kick registered only a behind, allowing the Pigeons to escape with a thrilling five-point win.

Coach Leigh Williams praised his side's resilience after overcoming plenty of adversity.

The Pigeons lost Reid Clarke before the opening bounce, while Tom Goodwin and Nick Irvine were also forced from the game, with Irvine's knee injury causing concern.

Several players also battled through gastro during the week, making the victory even more impressive.

Jordan Urquhart was outstanding in on the wing and in defence, repeatedly intercepting Myrtleford attacks in a strong marking display.

Frauenfelder added three important goals after being swung forward and together with McKenna, that trio were instrumental in securing another valuable four points along with the ever-reliable Willie Wheeler.

The victory leaves Yarrawonga just one win outside the top three after four consecutive victories, an outstanding response following the defeats Corowa and Wangaratta Rovers.

The Pigeons are building belief at the right time of the year and look capable of challenging if they maintain this form.

Reserves Win Big!

Yarrawonga 5.5, 9.7, 16.8, 21.10 (136) def Myrtleford 0.2, 1.2, 2.4, 6.6 (42)

Best Players: Tom McKimmie, Josh Payne, Ryder Stevens, Adam McKelvie, Alexander Kealy, Xavier Mitchell

Goals: Tom McKimmie 6, Lewis Henley 3, Jesse Hunter 3, Josh Payne 3, Lachlan Craig 2, Patrick Waugh 2

Yarrawonga's Reserves produced one of their most complete performances of the season on Saturday, overpowering Myrtleford with a commanding 21.10 (136) to 6.6 (42) victory.

The Pigeons set the tone early, controlling the contest from the opening bounce.

A five-goal first quarter established a 33-point lead before Yarrawonga continued to build momentum throughout the afternoon, taking a 59-point advantage into the main break.

Despite Myrtleford showing greater resistance after halftime, the home side continued to dominate around the contest and made the most of its forward entries.

An eight-goal third term effectively ended the match as a contest, with the Pigeons extending their lead beyond 90 points before running out convincing 94-point winners.

Tom McKimmie was the standout performer, delivering a best-on-ground display while also booting six goals in a dominant afternoon up forward.

Josh Payne combined relentless work through the midfield with three majors of his own, while Ryder Stevens provided drive and composure across the ground.

Adam McKelvie continued his consistent form with another influential performance, Alexander Kealy was strong in defence and helped repel Myrtleford's forward ventures, and Xavier Mitchell impressed with his work rate and clean ball use.

Yarrawonga's forward line functioned superbly, with multiple avenues to goal proving too much for Myrtleford to contain. Alongside McKimmie's six-goal haul, Lewis Henley and Jesse Hunter each finished with three goals, Josh Payne added three, Lachlan Craig contributed two, and Patrick Waugh rounded out the scoring with two majors.

Thirds run away with it

Yarrawonga 3.2, 9.2, 11.4, 17.4 (106) def Myrtleford 1.0, 1.0, 3.1, 4.3 (27)

Best Players: Connor McCarty, Cameron Stephens, James Cummins, Jai Sneddon, Samuel Trembath, Lachlan Wren

Goals: Connor McCarty 7, Samuel Trembath 5, Lachlan Wren 3

Yarrawonga's Under-18s delivered an outstanding performance on Saturday, recording a comprehensive 17.4 (106) to 4.3 (27) victory over Myrtleford.

After a lack lustre opening term, the Pigeons found another gear in the second quarter, piling on six unanswered goals to take complete control of the contest.

Their pressure around the ball, clean ball movement and willingness to share possession proved too much for Myrtleford to handle, with Yarrawonga taking a commanding 56-point lead into the main break.

The young Pigeons refused to ease up after halftime, continuing to control the midfield and create repeat forward entries. Their disciplined defensive effort restricted Myrtleford to just four goals for the match, while the forwards capitalised on their opportunities to seal a convincing 79-point victory.

Connor McCarty was simply outstanding, producing a best-on-ground performance while finishing with seven goals in a dominant display up forward.

Samuel Trembath was equally influential, providing a strong target inside 50 and booting five majors, while Lachlan Wren added three goals and worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon.

Cameron Stephens was instrumental through the midfield with his work rate and ball use, James Cummins continued his impressive form with a composed all-round performance, Jai Sneddon applied strong defensive pressure and won plenty of contested football, and Samuel Trembath's impact earned him a place among the side's best players. Lachlan Wren also featured prominently with his ability to finish his work around goal.

The victory highlighted Yarrawonga's depth and teamwork, with contributions coming from across the ground in one of the side's most complete performances of the season.

The team’s ability to maintain intensity for four quarters and convert opportunities in front of goal was a feature of the impressive win.

Pigeons Loft

Join the Pigeons for a lunch that matters

Round Against Domestic Violence – Saturday, 8 August

The Yarrawonga Football Netball Club proudly invites members, sponsors and the wider community to our President's Luncheon as we unite to support our Round Against Domestic Violence.

This is more than a football luncheon—it's an opportunity for our community to come together, start important conversations and take a stand against violence towards women.

Special Guest Speaker – Phil Cleary

One of Australia's most respected advocates for ending violence against women, Phil Cleary will share his powerful and deeply personal story of resilience, leadership and the responsibility we all have to create safer communities.

Phil's message has inspired audiences across Australia and this promises to be one of the most significant events held at the club this season.

President's Luncheon

Saturday, 8 August

$30 per person

Yarrawonga Football Netball Club

Seats are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Stand with the Pigeons. Stand against domestic violence. Together, we can make a difference.

To reserve your seat, please contact the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club today or visit the Club’s Facebook page.